Maamigili council greenlights airport expansion

The area adjacent to the Maamigili airport which was released for expansion. PHOTO: MIHAARU FILES.

Mariyam Malsa

19 May 2019, MVT 15:32

The island council of Maamigili, Alif Dhaalu Atoll, allocated a considerable portion of land for the expansion of Villa International Airport.

The council revealed that a total of 34,228 square feet from the south-east region of Maamigili was handed over to Villa Pvt Ltd. The area includes the road adjacent to the airport which faces the harbour.

An official representing the council stated that the councillors unanimously agreed that there were no objections to setting aside the area for expansion following a request for advice lodged by the Ministry of National Planning and Infrastructure.

The Planning Ministry submitted its query for counsel after Villa requested space for further development.

The price at which the land was released to Villa has yet to be revealed.

All three members of the Maamigili Council belong to Jumhooree Party, a ruling coalition partner headed by Villa Group Chairman Ibrahim Qasim.